Muscle & Fitness 2018-03-01 Muscle & Fitness UK.edcoan.ir | Page 89

Vitamin D Vitamin D bolsters testosterone by up to 90% slashing levels of libido-killing chemical Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG). A can of tuna contains 100% of your RDA and exposure to sunlight, specifically UVB light causes natural vitamin D production. Eggs for a hormone boost, the yolk’s cholesterol is the precursor for testosterone. Eggs are rich in vitamin D, which is essential for optimal testosterone levels. Asparagus contains a high level of vitamin E, which stimulates the production of testosterone. The higher your testosterone level, the higher your libido. This vegetable is known to increase sex drive in women. Research at Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh investigated the effect pomegranate juice had on testosterone, blood pressure and mood and found that that testosterone on average increased by 24%, blood pressure (both systolic & diastolic) decreased and noticeable mood improvements in both sexes were noted. Endocrine Female testosterone levels rise during ovulation, which is likely to account for the increase in peak muscular force generation and best chances of achieving your personal best. A side effect of the contraceptive pill is that it decreases ovarian production of testosterone, along with causing a tenfold increase in a chemical named steroid hormone binding globulin (SHBG). SHBG binds to and inactivates most of the remaining testosterone, making it unusable. Stable hormone levels and correct levels of testosterone are required to maintain a healthy sex drive and allow for lean muscle mass to be achieved in the female athlete. So are there any strategies we can employ to help regain a sense of balance in this context? Abstracts (2012) 28 P313 indole-3- carbinol (DIM) Cabbage, brussel sprouts, cauliflow- er, broccoli & celery all contain indole- 3-carbinol which helps to reduced excess oestrogen thus optimising testosterone ratio. Celery contains two very powerful androgens called androstenone and androstenol. It has been discovered that even the smell of celery will accelerate the production of testoster- one significantly. Celery also contains a flavonoid called luteolin, a common anti-oestro- gen and a flavonoid called apigening that has been showed to boost testosterone naturally. WILD FISH Wild fish like salmon are packed with magnesium, vitamin B, omega-3s, and animal protein. Wild salmon has actually been proven to lower the levels of SHBG. Getting a grasp of how your hor- mones function and how you can manipulate them to your benefit, as the natural reproductive cycle example shows, can be of a huge benefit in attaining your physique goals for lean mass. Also, applying sound nutritional planning can reduce the impact of chemicals that suppress hormones needed for lean gains. Instagram: @ministryofiron MARCH 2018 / MUSCLE & FITNESS 87